In the interview with Pirro, Trump referred to the Times’ article as “the most insulting article I’ve ever had written [about me].”

“And I can tell you this, if you ask the folks in Russia, I’ve been tougher on Russia than anybody else, any other ― probably any other president period,” he said. “But certainly the last three or four presidents, modern day presidents, nobody’s been as tough as I have from any standpoint.”

Both reports have come as special counsel Robert Mueller closes in on the president while investigating Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and allegations that Trump obstructed justice.